MN SF2927

Appropriates $3,000,000 from bond proceeds to the Commissioner of Natural Resources for grants to cities, counties, townships, and park and recreation boards in first-class cities for planting publicly owned shade trees on public land.

Grant funds may be used to provide environmental benefits, replace trees lost to forest pests, disease or storms, or establish a more diverse community forest resistant to disease and pests.

Prioritizes grant requests for removal and replacement of trees with active emerald ash borer infestations.

Requires all trees planted with funding to be species native to Minnesota and defines "shade tree" as a woody perennial grown for aesthetic or environmental purposes with minimal timber value.

Authorizes the Commissioner of Management and Budget to sell and issue up to $3,000,000 in state bonds to fund the appropriation.